LOWER MANHATTAN, N.Y. (WABC) — In honor of National Coming Out Day, New York lawmakers and the NYPD announced a plan to protect transgender youth.
The New York City Police Department on Tuesday launched new technology that officers can use on the street to extend support to LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers.
“The application we’re talking about today is extremely important,” said former New York State Senator Tom Duane.
“This will be an invaluable tool for helping victims of crime and promoting community outreach and neighborhood policing,” said New York City Police Commissioner Kichant Sewell.
The New York Police Commissioner was joined by current and former lawmakers to launch this new resource on National Coming Out Day, now in its 34th year.
The new app was installed Tuesday on the smartphones of nearly 35,000 officers in the department.
It has interactive maps that make it easy to find real-time support and services.
“If someone is seeking legal, medical, mental health or a variety of vital services, they can now turn to any NYPD officer for help,” Sewell said.
Hopefully, more members of the gay, transgender and non-binary communities will come forward to the NYPD — especially after the 2021 pride parade ban following numerous complaints that their presence instilled fear.
“NYPD officers will now have this important information at their fingertips and be able to share it with the people we serve,” Sewell said.
“On National Coming Out Day, we’re announcing our legislation to push back in the war on transgender youth,” said New York State Senator Brad Hoylman.
Meanwhile, in the West Village on Tuesday, state lawmakers and members of the LGBTQ+ community laid out a proposed gender-affirming care law — important support that other states lack.
“We welcome transgender children and their families to New York with open arms, making New York State a safe haven for these young people and their families,” Hoylman said.
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